Tag: Raw

The amazing health benefits of raw broccoli.

Over the past few years, broccoli has earned a top spot in the “Superfoods” list due to its highly impactful health benefits. This vegetable is packed with powerful nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and is a host of powerful antioxidants which protect body cells from free radical damage and oxidative stress. Broccoli can be enjoyed both raw and cooked, although recent research indicates that eating it raw provides you with the most nutrients, unlike cooking which destroys most of the essential nutrients.

Let’s have a look at some of the major health benefits of raw broccoli.

Cancer Prevention

Broccoli is a cancer-fighting food, thanks to its high Sulforaphane content. Studies have found sulforaphane to be particularly effective in killing cancer stem cells. Another compound in broccoli, glucoraphanin, boosts special cell enzymes that protect against molecular damage from cancer-causing chemicals.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Like many whole foods, broccoli is loaded with soluble fiber that binds with bile acids in your digestive system. When the binding takes place, cholesterol is excreted alongside the bile juices, thereby significantly lowering its levels.

Reduces Inflammation

Broccoli is a rich source of isothiocyanates and kaempferol, two phytonutrients with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The vegetable also contains some significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

It also alleviates allergic reactions in the body.

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

The sulforaphane compounds in broccoli help prevent cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. The compounds also stimulate the production of enzymes that protect the blood vessels. The potassium in raw broccoli helps maintain regular heart contractions/rhythm.

Regulates Blood Pressure

The high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium in broccoli help regulate blood pressure.

Improves the Health of the Nervous System

Improved Vision

Raw broccoli contains beta-carotene which is converted into Vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A is quite beneficial in improving eyesight, especially in elderly people.

Fights Aging

Raw broccoli is loaded with age-fighting antioxidants that not only slow down the aging process, but also protect against cellular damage. The antioxidants also help fight free radicals and remove toxins which are the major causes of accelerated aging process.

Aids in Detoxifying the System

Raw broccoli contains glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin, and gluconasturtiin. These are powerful phytonutrients that assist the body in the detoxification process including the activation, neutralization, and elimination of unwanted contaminants.

As you can see, the health benefits of raw broccoli are many as your body obtains the most nutrients when consumed its natural form. You can either add it to your salads, juice or make a smoothie- the choice is yours.…